Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War
Oct 02, 2026 ~2 months
The sixth installment in the Ace Combat series explores the Belkan War, a devastating conflict alluded to in Ace Combat 5. In the game's main story mode, the player takes control of a mercenary pilot, callsign "Cipher", taking part in the Belkan War by advancing through aerial combat, escort, assault, and defense missions. The story is told through the eyes of a reporter, 10 years after the conflict, uncovering secrets of the war by interviewing some of the pilots the player shoots down.
What it’s like
Ace Combat Zero delivers a visceral, high-octane aerial combat experience set against the backdrop of a fictionalized Belkan War. Players assume the role of Cipher, a mercenary pilot navigating intense dogfights and mission-based objectives across diverse theaters of war. The narrative structure is unique: it unfolds retrospectively through interviews conducted by a journalist ten years after the conflict, piecing together the truth behind legendary pilots and their fates. This framing device adds a layer of mystery and emotional weight to the action. The gameplay emphasizes realistic flight mechanics and dogfighting physics, rewarding skillful maneuvering and tactical awareness. While the story explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the cost of war, it remains secondary to the adrenaline-fueled aerial combat. The audio design is particularly strong, with immersive radio chatter and a dynamic soundtrack that heightens the tension of every engagement.
Strong in Audio / MusicCombatGameplay / MechanicsAtmosphere / MoodCharactersDifficulty / ChallengePolish / PerformanceStory / Narrative
Keep in mind The narrative delivery relies heavily on static interview segments which can interrupt the flow of action. The flight simulation aspects may feel too arcade-like for hardcore sim enthusiasts but too technical for casual players.
AI-generated from catalog data, informed by reviews from metacritic.com, ign.com, gamefaqs.gamespot.com, gamesradar.com, pluggedin.com, gamespot.com.
Screenshots
Releases
| Platform | Region | Type | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| PlayStation 2 | Worldwide | Full release | Sep 15, 200620 years ago |
| PC (Microsoft Windows) | Worldwide | Full release | Oct 02, 2026~2 months |
| PlayStation 5 | Worldwide | Full release | Oct 02, 2026~2 months |
| Xbox Series X|S | Worldwide | Full release | Oct 02, 2026~2 months |
